Care can keep hair in top condition

Keeping your body in shape is important for health and appearance and the same goes for your hair.

New York-based hairstylist Oscar Blandi says his hair fitness regimen, using ideas and principles from the gym, will keep your hair in top form.

Conditioning: Use a deep-conditioning treatment once a week to offset the drying effects of blow-drying, sun and hair coloring. “Dry hair looks dull and lifeless,” says Blandi. For very dry hair, deep condition twice a week.

Drinking water: Drinking water can keep your hair from losing its shine, according to Blandi, who advocates eight glasses of water a day.

Trimming down: The best way to eliminate hair bulk is to change your cut. “Have your stylist add long layers to eliminate the hair that is making your hair look ‘fat.’ By slimming down the shape of your hair, you also make your face look slimmer, too,” says Blandi.

Pumping up: The secrets to getting the most body are products and blow-dry technique. Start by applying a volumizing spray, gel or mousse to thicken hair without weighing it down. Then, using a large round brush, blow-dry hair straight. Finish by holding sections of the hair at a 90-degree angle and teasing from the end to the roots in one smooth motion.

If you have curly hair, ditch the blow-dryer and pump up your natural curl by using a combination of hair gel and leave-in conditioner, which will give you body without frizz.

Strength training: The best way to strengthen hair that has been weakened by stress is to treat it with a hot oil treatment. The hot oil penetrates the hair shaft, making hair stronger and preventing breakage.

Capris are flattering if worn in style

The long and short of summer fashion is summed up by capri pants, which typically are versatile enough to be worn to the office and at home, and can accommodate all sorts of weather.

But some rules do apply to the too-short-to-be-pants and the too-long-to-be-shorts garment, according to Cambio, maker of women’s trousers and jeans.

Cambio’s dos and don’ts of wearing capris include:

Do wear shorter, tapered capris with a flat thong, slide or sandal; balance a wider leg or flared capris with a mid-sized heel.

Do try a sleek kitten heel instead of flats or chunky sandals to create the illusion of length for shorter legs.

Don’t call attention to a heavy midsection with low-rise or belted capris. Draw the focus downward with hem details such as fringe, beads or embroidery.

Don’t overdo a good thing. Emphasize printed capris by wearing simple tops.